When it comes to sweet treats, there’s something magical about a warm, golden-brown sopapilla fresh from the fryer. It’s fluffy, crispy, and has the perfect texture to pair with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This is one of those snacks that seems so simple, but every bite is packed with flavor and warmth. If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant and had the joy of finishing your meal with a plate of sopapillas, you already know just how delightful they can be. If you haven’t, get ready to add this recipe to your “must-try” list!

These light, pillowy pastries are often served as a dessert or snack, and the best part? They are easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to end a meal, or a quick snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, this sopapilla recipe will become your go-to. With only a few ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, puffy sopapillas that will bring smiles all around.

What is a Sopapilla?

For those who may not be familiar, a sopapilla is a fried pastry that originates from Latin American cuisine, particularly popular in Mexican and Southwestern dishes. These pastries are traditionally fried until they puff up, creating a pocket of air inside. The result is a golden-brown, light, and crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior. The best part? They’re usually served with sweet toppings like honey or cinnamon sugar, making them irresistible.

What’s even better is that they can be enjoyed in different ways – some people like them plain, others with a savory filling, but the most popular version is the sweet, honey-drizzled variety. They can be eaten as a dessert, snack, or even alongside a meal to complement savory flavors. Now, doesn’t that sound like something worth trying?

The Magic of Sopapillas

Sopapillas may look like complicated treats that require special skills, but trust me, they’re super beginner-friendly. The key to getting that signature puff comes down to how you fry them. That puff is what gives them their fluffy texture inside, which makes them so unique. It’s like biting into a little cloud of sweetness. You’ll be amazed at how a simple dough can transform into something so light and delicious. And if you’re not a fan of frying, don’t worry – we’ll cover air fryer instructions too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s quickly go over what you need. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients at home, which is what makes this recipe so convenient.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup milk
• Oil for frying or cooking spray for air frying
• Honey for drizzling
• Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

This recipe is so simple, yet these basic ingredients come together to make something truly special. Now, let’s break down the steps and see how easy it is to whip up your own batch of sopapillas.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The first step in making sopapillas is all about getting the dough right. And don’t worry, it’s not complicated!

Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This will be your base for the dough, and it helps to mix all the dry ingredients first so everything is evenly distributed.

Add Wet Ingredients

Next, you’ll want to add the wet ingredients. Stir in the melted butter and milk into the dry mix. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. You don’t need to overwork it. The dough should come together nicely with a smooth texture. Once it’s mixed, knead it gently for about a minute. This step helps everything bind together without making the dough tough.

By now, you should have a nice, soft dough that’s easy to handle. Not too sticky, but not too dry either. If the dough is sticking to your hands, dust them with a little bit of flour to make it easier to knead.

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Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out and cut it into shape. This is where the fun begins because soon you’ll see those little pieces of dough turn into puffy sopapillas!

Roll Out

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. This thickness will give you the perfect texture once the sopapillas fry up. Too thin and they won’t puff up as much, too thick and they might be doughy inside.

Cut Shapes

Once your dough is rolled out, you can cut it into squares or triangles. It’s up to you! Most people prefer cutting them into small, 2-3 inch wide squares or triangles because they fry up evenly and are the perfect size for snacking.

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Step 3: Frying Sopapillas

This is the part where the magic happens – frying the dough! You’ll want to heat up some oil, but don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds.

Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil hot enough so the dough puffs up quickly, but not too hot that it burns.

Frying Time!

Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry until they puff up and turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. As they puff up, you’ll see the dough form those classic sopapilla pockets. They’ll get crispy on the outside while staying light and airy on the inside.

Drain the Sopapillas

Once your sopapillas are golden and puffed, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

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Air Fryer Directions (Healthier Option)

If you prefer a healthier alternative, or just want to avoid dealing with hot oil, you can use an air fryer to make sopapillas! Here’s how:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the sopapillas cook evenly.

Prepare the Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place a few dough pieces into the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Overcrowding the basket will prevent even cooking.

Air Fry

Cook the sopapillas for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. Once they’re golden and puffed, they’re ready! They won’t puff as much as traditional frying, but they’ll still be delicious and crisp.

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Serving Sopapillas

Now that you’ve made your fluffy sopapillas, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sopapillas are best served warm, and you can top them with your choice of sweet goodness.

• Honey Drizzle: Sopapillas and honey are a match made in heaven. Just drizzle warm honey over the top, and enjoy the sweet, sticky contrast with the crispy pastry.
• Cinnamon Sugar: If you’re a fan of churros, you’ll love sprinkling your sopapillas with cinnamon sugar. The combination of sugar and cinnamon gives them an extra burst of flavor, making them taste even more indulgent.

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Why You Should Try Making Sopapillas

You might be wondering, “Why should I bother making these when I can just buy them at a restaurant?” The answer is simple: homemade sopapillas taste better. When you make them yourself, they’re fresher, fluffier, and tailored to your liking. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll be able to whip them up anytime you’re craving something sweet.

They also make a fun and interactive snack to share with friends and family. Everyone loves dipping them in honey and enjoying the light, fluffy texture. They’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a quiet night in with a cup of tea.

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Conclusion: Sweet, Fluffy, and Oh-So-Irresistible!

Sopapillas are one of those simple pleasures in life that are hard to resist. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these pastries are the perfect vehicle for honey or cinnamon sugar. Whether you fry them traditionally or opt for the healthier air fryer version, you’re in for a treat.

This sopapilla recipe is great for beginners because it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. In just a few steps, you can create a delicious dessert or snack that’s sure to impress. So, the next time you’re looking for a sweet and satisfying treat, why not give these sopapillas a try? You won’t regret it!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make sopapillas without frying?

Yes, you can! You can use an air fryer as a healthier alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

2. Can I freeze sopapillas?

Yes, you can freeze cooked sopapillas. Just let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

3. How can I make savory sopapillas?

To make savory sopapillas, omit the sugar from the dough and serve them with fillings like cheese, beans, or meat.

4. What oil is best for frying sopapillas?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are both great choices for frying sopapillas because they have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

A Delightful Fried Pastry Treat

Sopapillas are light, airy, and perfectly crispy pastries commonly enjoyed in Latin American cuisine. These fried delights are golden brown on the outside and soft inside, often drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish. Whether you want to serve them as a dessert or a snack, sopapillas are a fun, easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, with a few simple ingredients and quick preparation time, they’re perfect for any day of the week.

Recipe Subtitle
Sweet Sopapillas with Honey Drizzle

Recipe Description

Sopapillas are delicious, deep-fried pastries with a light, fluffy texture inside and a crispy exterior. Often served with honey or cinnamon sugar, they are the perfect sweet snack or dessert. This beginner-friendly recipe uses pantry staples like flour, baking powder, and butter to create a dough that puffs up beautifully when fried. You can also make them in an air fryer for a healthier option. Whether you’re craving a warm dessert or a special treat to share, sopapillas are a quick, easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Keywords

Sopapillas, Sweet Pastries, Fried Dough, Mexican Dessert, Cinnamon Sugar, Honey Drizzle, Homemade Pastry

Difficulty Level: Beginner
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Duration: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Best Season: Suitable Throughout the Year
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Quantity	Unit	Ingredients	Notes
2	cups	all-purpose flour
2	tsp	baking powder
½	tsp	salt
2	tbsp	sugar
2	tbsp	unsalted butter	melted
¾	cup	milk
		oil	for frying
drizzle		honey	for serving
optional		cinnamon sugar	for sprinkling

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares or triangles.

Step 3: Fry the Sopapillas
In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry until they puff up and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve with Toppings
Drizzle the warm sopapillas with honey and, if desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Air Fryer Instructions (Optional):
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, place dough pieces in, and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Size: 250g

Servings: 2
Calories: 250 kcal
Calories from Fat: 120 kcal

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Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Trans Fat	0g	—
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	160mg	7%
Potassium	85mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	4g	—
Protein	4g	8%
Vitamin A	180 IU	4%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	60mg	6%
Iron	1.5mg	8%
Vitamin D	0 IU	0%
Vitamin E	0.5 IU	2%
Riboflavin (B2)	0.1mg	6%
Niacin (B3)	0.8mg	5%
Phosphorus	60mg	5%
Magnesium	10mg	3%
Zinc	0.4mg	3%
Selenium	5mcg	9%
Copper	0.1mg	5%
Manganese	0.2mg	10%

Recipe Notes

Sopapillas are best enjoyed warm and freshly fried. When frying, make sure the oil is at the right temperature—350°F (175°C)—to ensure the dough puffs up properly. If the oil is too hot, the sopapillas may burn on the outside without cooking through. If the oil is too cool, they might absorb excess oil and become greasy. You can customize your sopapillas by adding a honey drizzle or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. For a healthier option, use an air fryer, which gives a similar crispy texture without the excess oil. Leftovers can be stored for a day but are best eaten immediately for the perfect crunch.

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FAQs

1. Can I make sopapillas without frying them?
   Yes, you can use an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?
   The oil may not have been hot enough. Ensure it’s at 350°F (175°C) for proper puffing.
3. Can I freeze sopapillas?
   Yes, you can freeze uncooked dough for up to a month and fry or air fry when ready.
4. Can I make sopapillas savory?
   Absolutely! Simply omit the sugar and serve with savory fillings like beans or cheese.
5. What’s the best oil for frying sopapillas?
   Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola with a high smoke point.

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Additional Information

• Courses: Dessert
• Cuisines: American
• Cooking Methods: Frying, Air Frying
• Recipe Key: Dairy, Kids
• Recipe Badge: Easy, Budget-Friendly
• Tags: sopapillas, easy fried dessert, homemade pastry, sweet snack, Mexican treat